Sizzling Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe: A Cheesy Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable chicken parmesan pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of golden-crusted chicken nestled atop twirled pasta create a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Crispy breaded chicken combines beautifully with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this dish delivers extraordinary satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how quickly the ingredients come together with minimal fuss.

Cheese lovers will find themselves swooning over each perfectly seasoned bite.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible Italian-inspired classic.

Why Chicken Parmesan Pasta Is A Comfort Food Classic

• Conquer Weeknight Dinner Challenges: Simplify your cooking with this one-pan wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Create Restaurant-Worthy Flavors: Blend classic Italian seasonings and perfectly crispy chicken with rich marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the crispy chicken, cheesy topping, and comforting pasta combination that brings everyone together around the dinner table with zero fuss.
• Maximize Kitchen Efficiency: A single skillet does all the work, reducing cleanup time and allowing you to go from raw ingredients to a complete meal with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the primary protein for the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Dried Basil, Oregano: A flavorful coating that adds crispy texture and Italian-inspired seasoning to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Creates a golden, crispy exterior for the chicken during cooking.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and classic Italian flavor to the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base for the pasta dish.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce's flavor and adds moisture.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that carries the sauce and chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, stretchy topping.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to the completed dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Allows for final seasoning adjustment to personal taste.

How To Make Chicken Parmesan Pasta Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Strips

Slice chicken breasts into thin, elegant strips that will cook evenly and remain tender. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure perfect cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Coating

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Crunchy breadcrumbs
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

Combine these in a shallow dish to create a mouthwatering breading mixture.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Thoroughly coat each chicken strip in the seasoned mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick and create a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready for cooking. Carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce Base

Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors without burning.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Pour marinara sauce and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir to combine and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, cook pasta according to package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to ensure every strand is beautifully coated.

Step 9: Layer and Melt Cheese

Arrange the crispy chicken strips over the sauced pasta. Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 10: Final Melt and Garnish

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 11: Season and Serve

Give a final taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot and enjoy the incredible blend of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese.

Helpful Hints For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Master Chicken Coating: Press seasoning mixture firmly onto chicken strips to create a thick, crispy layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Prevent Burning Garlic: Watch garlic closely while sautéing and remove from heat immediately if it starts to turn brown to avoid bitter taste.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, allowing it to absorb sauce without becoming mushy.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Cover skillet when adding mozzarella to trap heat and create a perfectly melted, gooey cheese topping that coats the dish evenly.
• Quick Clean-Up Hack: Use the same skillet for chicken, sauce, and final assembly to minimize dishes and capture delicious browned bits for extra flavor.

Tasty Twists To Try With Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Spicy Chicken Fiesta: Add cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a kick, incorporating diced jalapeños into the pasta sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace basil and oregano with za'atar spice mix, top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and garnish with chopped fresh mint.
• Creamy Alfredo Transformation: Swap marinara sauce with homemade alfredo, using heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese, creating a rich and velvety pasta experience.
• Pesto Chicken Fusion: Mix homemade basil pesto into the pasta sauce, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top, and add sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.

What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan Pasta Tonight

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich tomato sauce and crispy chicken, enhancing the dish's robust flavors.
• Elevate Side Dish Companion: Serve a crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta, balancing the meal's richness with light, zesty greens.
• Herbal Beverage Boost: Brew a fresh basil iced tea with a hint of lemon, offering a cooling and aromatic drink that mirrors the herb notes in the chicken's seasoning blend.
• Texture-Enhancing Bread Pairing: Warm garlic bread or focaccia works perfectly to soak up extra marinara sauce, adding a delightful crunch and complementing the pasta's creamy texture.

How To Store Chicken Parmesan Pasta So It Stays Creamy

• Store leftover chicken parmesan pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Allow pasta to reach room temperature before transferring to storage containers. This prevents condensation and potential bacterial growth.
• Keep pasta in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Place in the coldest section of the refrigerator to preserve texture and taste.
• Pack pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm pasta in microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture.

Your Chicken Parmesan Pasta Questions Answered

• How do I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with classic pasta shapes, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and complements the chicken’s crispy texture.

• What if I don't have breadcrumbs?

No problem. You can crush crackers, use panko, or even use crushed cornflakes as an alternative coating. The key is creating a crispy exterior that adds texture to the chicken.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The original recipe is not spicy.

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken parmesan pasta brings Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table with crispy chicken and melted cheese. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 1 lb penne pasta or linguine
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into thin, uniform strips, ensuring even cooking and tender texture.
2. Create a seasoning blend by mixing parmesan, breadcrumbs, dried basil, and oregano in a shallow dish.
3. Coat each chicken strip thoroughly in the seasoned mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Carefully place breaded chicken strips into the hot skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken and set aside, keeping warm.
7. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
8. Pour marinara sauce and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits.
9. Cook pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
10. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
11. Layer chicken strips over the sauced pasta, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
12. Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
14. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

• Ensure chicken strips are uniformly sliced to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs for crispier coating that adheres better and provides superior texture compared to store-bought options.
• Pat chicken strips dry before breading to help seasoning mixture stick more effectively and create a crunchier exterior.
• Adjust spice levels by incorporating red pepper flakes or cayenne into the seasoning blend for those preferring extra heat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg